Infinitivsfrase

Infinitivsfrase, or infinitive phrase, is a non-finite clause built around an infinitive verb form. It functions as a single syntactic unit within a sentence and can include objects, modifiers, or other complements that belong to the infinitive. The phrase may behave like a noun phrase, an adverbial phrase, or, less commonly, an adjective phrase, depending on its role in the sentence.

A typical infinitivsfrase consists of the infinitive itself and any complements or modifiers attached to it. In languages that mark the infinitive with a particle or marker (for example, to in English or att in some Scandinavian languages), the phrase may appear with or without additional elements such as objects (to read a book), adjectives (to speak clearly), or adverbs (to solve the problem quickly). The exact form and markers vary by language, but the core idea is a clause whose main verb remains in the infinitive.

Functions of infinitivsfrase include subject, object, complement, and adverbial modifier (often expressing purpose or intention). Examples in English include: “To read a book is enjoyable” (subject), “I want to travel” (object), “Her goal is to become a doctor” (complement), and “She left early to catch the bus” (adverbial of purpose). In Scandinavian usage, infinitivfraser are similarly constructed but may follow language-specific rules for when the infinitive is introduced or marked.

Infinitivsfrase is distinguished from similar non-finite forms such as gerund phrases, which use the -ing form and often function differently in the sentence.